Archeologists in action at Alviso Adobe

Alviso Adobe Community Park was developed as a historic site, and discoveries are still being made.

This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a chance for the public to observe an archeological dig taking place on the site as students from the Anthropology Department of Cal State East Bay are about to conclude a field study. It's also a chance to ask them questions.

The park contains acres of interpretive grounds containing archaeological significance dating from early Native American occupations (beginning around 3000 B.C.) through the 20th-century Meadowlark Dairy operation. The college's field method class has been at the site each week to focus on the park's centerpiece, the Alviso Adobe, which spans the period from 1848 to the 1880s. It was built in 1854 by Francisco Alviso for his wife and 10 children.

This project, directed by Professor Albert Gonzalez, focuses on the Alviso household and explores the nature of the relations between the Alviso family and its neighbors. The focus of the excavation is on sampling a modest number of excavation units placed throughout the garden area.

Artifacts recovered from the site have been cleaned, cataloged and entered into an artifact database.

Next week, Saturday, June 8 marks the grand opening of the exhibit "Unearthing the Past," of excavated artifacts such as ceramic shards, metal, bone fragments and even recovered litter in the "Garbology" display.

The grand opening runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will also have an entertaining slide show and refreshments. The exhibit will be displayed in the milking barn and is free to the public.

Alviso Adobe Community Park operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Parking is in the lot near Old Foothill Road and also along Old Foothill Road.